American Heart Month (February) is a recognition that has been around for more than 40 years. Its importance stems from the fact that cardiovascular disease is still the number one killer of men and women in the United States.
Cardiovascular diseases include illnesses that involve the blood vessels (veins, arteries and capillaries) or the heart, or both – diseases that affect the cardiovascular system.
RMI recognizes this important month, as it is our business to help physicians diagnose illness through radiology exams. The fight against heart disease and strokes, according to the American Heart Association, is still very difficult. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) kills more people than any other cause of death since 1900, over 80 million persons live with CVD, while another 80 million have high blood pressure.
One bright spot: thanks to advances in detection, treatment, lifestyle changes and awareness, there have been fewer deaths since the 1980s.
If you’re in a high-risk group of heart disease, staying on top of your health is crucial. Your physician can work with us to get the exams you need such as CT Calcium Scoring.
As we mentioned in the last blog, CT Calcium Scoring or Coronary CT (computed tomography) for cardiac scoring is a screening for coronary artery disease caused by calcified plaque in the arteries. The exam determines the extent and location of the plaque by looking for calcium deposits. The RMI radiologist then assigns a score from 0 to 400 to show the extent of disease. Your physician can then follow up with assessing your treatment options.
While you’re at it, remember the various events during Heart Month designed to make others aware – especially in your own family – about heart disease.
For example, February 3 is National Wear Red Day! Read all about it, get involved, and fight heart disease during American Heart Month.
